Team News

Kit Symons has just one injury concern ahead of Friday’s clash at Craven Cottage against Wigan Athletic (8pm).

Danny Guthrie is a major doubt ahead of the game after picking up a calf injury at The Valley on Tuesday evening, but there are no other fresh injury concerns.

“There were a few tired bodies, that was evident to see,” Symons admitted in his pre-match press conference. “Danny Guthrie is probably one who isn’t going to make it. He got a slight calf injury, so he’s unlikely. Everyone else came through okay, which was really pleasing.”

The Fulham Manager confirmed that Captain Scott Parker has trained after the quick turnaround of matches and will be part of the squad on Friday.

He stated: “Scott trained today so he’s okay, he’s available for selection which is a big plus for us. Without giving the team away we’re looking quite strong, so I’m reasonably pleased.”

Full-backs Jazz Richards and Jack Grimmer were both absent at The Valley, with Grimmer suffering a knee injury on Good Friday and Richards having being on the sidelines since the win at Huddersfield Town, but the Manager had positive updates on both.

“Jazz and Jack both trained this morning, which is encouraging for both of them,” he said. “I’m very mindful of the length of time Jazz has been out but he trained today and we’ll wait and assess how he comes through.”

Symons confirmed that the pair will not be rushed back if it could risk their fitness in the long-term, saying that players’ health comes first.

“I’m mindful of the magnitude of tomorrow’s game and the importance of it but also we go into another important game on Wednesday [against Rotherham United] and I’ve always been one to put player welfare first,” he explained.

“At times there is an element of risk that you can take but that needs to be weighed up properly and player welfare needs to be at the forefront of that.”

Fulham welcome back Shaun Hutchinson from suspension for Friday’s game and Symons faces a selection dilemma with Dan Burn having impressed at the heart of defence on Tuesday.

“I was pleased with Dan,” he said. “I thought he acquitted himself really well, as I’d expect him to do.

“He was disappointed to come out of the starting line-up but he is a fantastic professional, a great character, he’s the perfect pro.

“He conducts himself in training exactly the right way and made sure when he got his chance again that he was able to take it, and I thought he played well for us.”

The selection dilemma is one that Symons relishes, adding that competition for places is what you want at the club

“You want a bit of competition, a lot of competition for places, actually,” he explained. “Michael Turner has come in on loan and done really well, that experience he brings, he’s assured and composed, and Hutchy was playing very well alongside him.

“Niko [Bodurov] stepped in at times and Dan did great at Charlton, so that’s what you want, competition for places.”